Rezoning for dealership OK'd

A couple of trees, a fence and other concessions helped residents of The Colonies change their tune about a proposed Pete's Car Smart Kia dealership on Soncy Road.

Back on the air

Tuesday marked the City Commission's return to TV.

Every Tuesday at 3 p.m., unless otherwise scheduled, residents of Amarillo can see the City Commission live on cable Channel 9.

Amarillo city commissioners approved rezoning the 3.19-acre site from general retail to light commercial to allow for the car lot after property owner Pete Vaughan met with residents about the property.

Under the agreement struck between Vaughan and residents of The Colonies Homeowners Association, Vaughan restricted not only lighting on his dealership, but also on adjacent properties slated for general retail. The agreement, which will also be made part of the planned development, also requires a fence to be constructed along the east side of the general retail property.

Other concessions include the donation of 18 to 22 trees to the Church of Christ at The Colonies. Vaughan also was asked to restrict test driving of vehicles through The Colonies.

The developers also would have to support The Colonies' efforts to limit truck traffic on Wesley Drive.

Barry Bedwell, president of The Colonies Homeowners Association, said a substantial number now support the project.

"There were issues they (residents) wanted us to bring up to Pete (Vaughan). He conceded on quite a few of those," Bedwell said.

Mayor Debra McCartt and Commissioner Madison Scott abstained from voting because of conflicts of interest.

Eades, who voted against the project last week, said he supported the project because there was no opposition. Eades said Vaughan showed his commitment to working with residents by addressing their concerns, even though he was likely to get final approval without doing so.

"If the citizens in that neighborhood feel comfortable, I feel comfortable," Eades said.

In other business, commissioners are putting an end to boozing and chain smoking at youth events at city facilities. Commissioners unanimously passed the first reading of an ordinance that would ban alcohol consumption and use of tobacco products at organized youth events or tournaments. Regular park users will not be impacted as long as they are not spectators or participating in youth events.

Commissioners also banned glass containers at all the facilities after three injuries occurred during the summer season, said Rod Tweet, assistant director of Parks and Recreation.

Violation of the ordinance is a class C misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a $500 fine.